Henry S. Dixon

Henry Sherwood Dixon, of Dixon, IL, died on April 19, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, IL. Henry was born in Dixon the 19th of May 1934, and was a lifetime resident of the city that he loved. He graduated from Dixon High School in 1952, then the University of Notre Dame where he was class co-president and was commissioned an Infantry Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1956. Over the next two years, Henry served on active duty in the Army during which he graduated from Ranger and Jump Master schools. Returning to Illinois, he earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1963 and came back to Dixon to practice law. Simultaneously, he continued his military service in the Illinois National Guard. He rose to the rank of Brigadier General upon his discharge in 1988 having served at multiple command levels to include Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion of the 129th Infantry and Deputy Commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade. During a law career that spanned over 50 years, Henry twice served as State’s Attorney for Lee County, first from 1964 to 1968, then again in 2008 to 2012. As both prosecutor and defense attorney, Henry personally tried 267 jury trials. Henry was a voracious reader, loved traveling and skiing, and was an avid Notre Dame and White Sox fan. Henry was active in the Democratic Party, serving for many years as Precinct Captain for the 12th precinct in Dixon. He was a committed member of Rotary International Chapter #3064 in Dixon. Henry was a grand storyteller who had a natural talent for making heartfelt connections with individuals and audiences. With a wit and smile he would befriend all who met him, even during the later days of his life. He is remembered as a true mentor and a major influence on so many lives. He could often be found at the family cabin overlooking the Rock River where he found quiet solitude. He savored every sunset and wanted you not to miss a minute of its beauty. Henry was a devoted husband, son, father, and grandfather and was deeply committed to his family throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Sherwood and Helen Dixon, and three of his siblings, Mary (Greg) Langan, William (Barbara) Dixon and Patrick Dixon. He is survived by his loving wife of over 39 years, Linda Giesen, his daughter, Kerry Dixon of Iowa City, Iowa, his two sons, who followed their father into military service, Robert (Sherry) Dixon of Alexandria, Virginia, and Henry (Mary Pat) Dixon of Shaw AFB, South Carolina, and his adored grandson Jackson Fox of Iowa City, Iowa. Henry remained a loving and loyal brother to the end to his surviving siblings, Louise (Tom†) Corken, James (Judy) Dixon, and David (Marge) Dixon, as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and their families. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and loved him. A visitation will take place Tuesday, 25 April, at the Holloway Center of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dixon, from 4:00 until the Rosary at 7:00pm followed by sharing of memories of Henry. Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon on Wednesday, 26 April, at 10:30am. Following his internment at Oakwood Cemetery, there will be a luncheon at the Holloway Center. In accordance with Henry’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dixon Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.

Henry S. Dixon

May 19, 1934 - April 19, 2023